Depression vs. Illness in Disabled Senior Loved Ones

01/20/2017

Caregivers know the family member they care for better than anyone else. So when something starts to seem “off” about your disabled senior family member, trust your gut. Symptoms of mental disorders or physical illness might not be immediately apparent to other family members, friends, or even physicians. But if you start to notice a change, keep following up with doctors and mental health experts to get to the bottom of it.

Identifying Depression and Illness in Disabled Seniors

Symptoms of depression

Common misconceptions about depression can keep those suffering from the disease from seeking help. People think depression always causes feelings of sadness. While this might be true for some, this serious mental health disorder manifests itself in other ways.

If you noticed any troubling symptoms in your disabled senior family member, seek professional help for seniors with disabilities or the assistance of an elderly day care. Both professional services can help combat symptoms of depression through socialization and therapeutic techniques. Watch out for these symptoms of depression:

Sudden intense aches and pains

Sleeping too much or too little

Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep

Disappearing motivation and energy

Self-loathing or feeling worthless

Suicidal thoughts

Ignoring personal care needs like eating, medication, or hygiene

Depression can be caused by medications your disabled senior loved is taking, or it could be the beginning of a serious disease. If symptoms of depression start to get worse after seeking help, take your loved one to a doctor to rule out any more severe conditions.

Symptoms of illness

It’s important for caregivers to help senior citizens by acting as an advocate for their health. Sometimes doctors are quick to write off symptoms as depression. Your loved one could be experiencing the beginning of Alzheimer’s, dementia, ulcers, heart disease, or other serious health concerns.

Senior day care center staff includes devoted professionals who care for your loved one like their own family. It’s a good idea for disabled senior family members to be part of these kinds of facilities to have another set of eyes, ears, and concern looking out for them.

Watch out for the following symptoms of serious illness in disabled senior family members:

Confusion

Trouble seeing

Rosacea, shingles, dry skin, easy bruising

Fatigue and loss of appetite

Urinary complications

Pneumonia

Ulcers, constipation, hemorrhoids

Any of the above conditions should be looked into immediately. If your family member attends a day care for the elderly, ask the staff to keep an eye on their symptoms.

Nevada Adult Day Healthcare Centers Advocate for Senior Health

At Nevada Adult Day Healthcare Centers, your disabled senior family member’s mental and physical health is our top priority. Visit our website or call us to find out how we provide daytime assistance for seniors living at home with family.